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Dutch

Dutch

They're the best of friends... And they've got the scars to prove it.

1991107 minPG-13Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films
Director
Peter Faiman
Starring
Ed O'Neill, Ethan Embry, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald

To get to know his girlfriend's son, a man volunteers to pick him up from a prep school... only to learn that her son's not the nicest kid.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Dutch?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Dutch on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Dutch?

Dutch earns 8 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Thanksgiving pick.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Dutch worth watching?

Dutch's Midcredits score is the 64th percentile of all films, from 25K ratings across 4 sources. 57% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

64th percentile

Better received than 64% of films

72nd percentile among Comedy66th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)63rd
Approval (how many liked it)62nd

65 /100

63rd percentile of all films

72nd percentile among Comedy67th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

57% liked it

62nd percentile of all films

69th percentile among Comedy64th percentile among 1990s
57% rated it 7–1043% rated it 1–6

Critics 17% · Audience 64%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

86th percentile

25K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Comedy81st percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 20% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$17M
Opening weekend$1.9M
Domestic gross$4.6M
Worldwide gross$4.6M

Returned 0.3× its budget — 63rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A predictable road-trip odd-couple comedy about a working-class man bonding with a spoiled rich kid over Thanksgiving.

Fans praised

  • Ed O'Neill and Ethan Embry's chemistry carries the film
  • Heartwarming bonding arc between mismatched road-trip duo
  • Funny, quotable scenes with fireworks and hookers

Detractors panned

  • Doyle is an utterly unlikable, obnoxious brat
  • Unfunny, forced comedy with cruel slapstick
  • Derivative rehash of Planes, Trains & Automobiles

What stands out

ActingDivisive75

O'Neill and Embry praised for chemistry; detractors find O'Neill obnoxious, Embry bratty

DialogueDivisive60

Quotable one-liners and witty clashes; detractors find it forced and unfunny

Emotional impactDivisive60

Heartwarming shelter scene and tearful ending for fans; detractors find manipulation unearned

HumorDivisive55

Fans laugh at antics; detractors call it zero laugh quotient

EndingDivisive55

Satisfying emotional reconciliation for fans; detractors find the transformation phony

CharactersDivisive50

Dutch endearing blue-collar lug; Doyle insufferably snobbish but eventually sympathetic

Plot and storyDivisive40

Predictable bonding road-trip formula; seen as tired retread of Hughes' earlier films

OriginalityDivisive30

Heavily derivative of Planes, Trains & Automobiles and other Hughes films

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 16 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 15 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Dutch like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh.

It leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
WarmJoyful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material with warmth and sincerity: the class satire is good-natured and the emotional beats are earned, never undercut.
The rideThe film balances comedic conflict with warm heart, building to an emotional Thanksgiving reunion.
StructureA straightforward linear road-trip narrative beginning with the pickup, following a series of episodic encounters, and ending with the arrival home for Thanksgiving.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you heartened by the transformation and the message that love and patience can bridge divides.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Quest
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% (this title) · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Journey home: The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Comedy underneath

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by Dutch's mission to drive Doyle home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, a classic journey home, with comedic misadventures along the way.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% (this title) · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsClass · 3% of filmsComing of age · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the forming of a non-biological father-son bond across a class divide, as a working-class man and a privileged boy learn to see each other's worth.
StanceThe film celebrates the bond that forms across class differences, affirming that worth lies in character.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitRuralSmall townRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Alan Silvestri
SettingA road trip from Georgia to Chicago over Thanksgiving
MusicAlan Silvestri's score blends orchestral warmth with Americana motifs.

Content guide

Is Dutch okay for kids?

PG-13

Dutch is rated PG-13. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (45/100), language at intense (61/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (28/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (31 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Dutch have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Dutch?

Cast

Ed O'Neill
as Dutch
Ethan Embry
as Doyle
JoBeth Williams
as Natalie
Christopher McDonald
as Reed
Ari Meyers
as Brock
Elizabeth Daily
as Halley
L. Scott Caldwell
as Homeless Woman
Kathleen Freeman
as Gritzi
Mickey Jones
as Truck Driver
Robert Sutherland Telfer
as Schoolboy

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Dutch?

Movies like Dutch include Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and Scent of a Woman (1992). Of the 12 closest matches, most are buddy comedies, and most are films that feel joyful.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its character type: odd couple. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Dutch?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: road movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.